Kooiman Marine Group to lengthen TSHD Swalinge

Kooiman Marine Group has just announced that they are embarking on another exciting project, lengthening of the trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Swalinge.

The Swalinge was built as a coaster in 1977 and rebuilt into a hopper dredger after being purchased by Den Herder Seaworks in 1996.

This single propeller dredger currently has a hopper capacity of 1.810 m3. She is equipped with single trailing suction pipe, bottom doors, and with a shore wet- and dry unloading installation.

At the moment the ship has a length of 82.20 meters. This will extend to 119.20 meters after completion of the work which will significantly increase the hopper capacity of the dredger.

According to the shipbuilder, the work will take place at the Shipyard Kooiman Hoebee BV in Dordrecht. “Because the facilities there were completely renewed in 2012, there is sufficient capacity and a solid slope floor to be able to carry out this work efficiently,” Kooiman announced.

The shipyard has a modern and innovative 150-metre long transverse slipway, spacious repair quays, and sufficient crane capacity for a major project such as this.

Officials expect that this massive extension project could be completed within a year of the commencement of construction works.